Public Service Announcement From The California Mountain Biking Coalition

We know this is terrible. Let’s do all that we can to get back to normal. We are committed to protecting the health of the public and mountain bikers. Here are some things you can do to keep everybody safe, to get back on the trail, and to keep the trails open:

STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK. Period. This goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway – if you’re sick, or you’ve been in contact with somebody who is, you need to stay home. Work on your bike, watch videos, but stay off the trail.

MAINTAIN YOUR DISTANCE. AT ALL TIMES maintain a safe, responsible social distance. Keep a minimum of 2-3 bike lengths between riders, on and off the trail. Do not ride in large groups. Do not hang out pre or post-ride. Always allow ample passing room for other trail users.

GO FOR A SOLO SPIN. Tell people where you’re heading, then head out for a solo ride. This helps us all maintain our distance, and still gets you on the trail. It also might help keep you sane.

KEEP IT SMALL. If you must ride with other people, only ride with your housemates, family you live with, or those with whom you already have close physical contact.

STICK TO OPEN PARKS. Only ride open trails, from open trailheads. With plenty of closures in the future, let’s be part of the solution rather than the problem.

FIND A LESSER-USED TRAILHEAD. People are heading out in record numbers. If you’re fortunate enough to know of more remote, lesser-used trailheads, please plan your ride so that you start there. Refrain from driving to trailheads.

RIDE TO YOUR RIDE. If you are able to ride to a trailhead, do so. Keep the cars off the road, out of the gas stations, and away from congested areas. Balance this with avoiding crowded or closed trailheads.

SLOW IT DOWN. Ride smart, ride safe. Now is not the time to push your riding skills. The last thing you or the rest of the community wants is for a rider to wreck and end up in a hospital, adding more strain on our EMS system and taking up valuable resources. Plus, you’ll also be able to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors for a longer period of time if you slow your roll.

TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS BEFORE HEADING OUT. Many public restrooms are closed – make every effort to make sure nature doesn’t call while out on the trail.

NO SNOT ROCKETS. We get it, and usually, we accept it – but if you need to blow your nose, use a hanky. If you need to sneeze, do it into your elbow.

NO SHARING. Now is not the time to share gear, food, drinks, or tools. Sorry. If you have a mechanical issue, sanitize tools and gear before sharing and again before taking it back.

PROTECT YOURSELF. Bring a small “to go” packet of hand wipes, disinfectant spray, and maybe even some soap to use with your own water. Hopefully, you won’t need this, but just in case you do it’s better to have it than not.

GET OUT. As mountain bikers, we’re able to get away from trailheads quickly, and we’re able to get farther out than other trail users – let’s use that to our advantage.

LEAVE NO TRACE. Pack out what you pack in, just like always. Garbage collection is limited.

BE NICE. SAY HI. Use our sport to be a positive influence on the people around you. Remember, other trail users are likely extra stressed – don’t add to it. This is a great time to show that mountain bikers are responsible for trail users, and support the broader community. It’s also an easy time to screw it up. Don’t blow it.

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION

Mountain Bike Action is a monthly magazine devoted to all things mountain biking (yes, that’s 12 times a year because we never take a month off of mountain biking). It has been around since 1986 and we’re still having fun.